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NUTRITION No excuse for putting lactation at risk L OW grass covers, excessive stocking rates and poor supplementary feed use decisions are putting cow performance, health, fertility and longevity at risk. And according to Keenan nutritionist Donal Blackwell, any perceived savings made now are going to be overwhelmed by the extra costs of lost milk, higher empty rates and expensive vet bills once lactation begins. “While many areas of the country are suffering less than ideal grass covers, a lack of feed on already thin cows will have a huge impact on the new season’s production,” Mr Blackwell said. “Restricting feed intake may look cost-effective on paper, but it will increase negative energy balance and compromise, body condition, milk solid yield and fertility in early lactation. “With energy levels of a dry cow in late gestation being low – around 100MJ ME/day – it’s important to balance any feed energy with sufficient protein and effective fiber to utilise the feed costeffectively. Where grass availability is low, using a highfibre, low-energy ration will help the cow maintain gut fill and still have enough energy for maintenance and calf growth.” PTO EFFLUENT PUMP ROVATTI - Lubricated seal - High Pressure - Heavy duty gearbox - 120 - 240 m3 /hr - Double chopper system on some models ‘Restricting feed intake may look cost-effective on paper, but it will increase negative energy balance and compromise, body condition, milk solid yield and fertility in early lactation.’ — Donal Blackwell It’s important to note that oversupply of energy during the dry period will also be counter productive, leading to an excess of soft body fat that can cause lethargic cows at calving and ketosis (sweet breath) post-calving. “Feeding dry cows properly now is likely to be the best investment you can make for the season ahead,” Blackwell. said Mr “Mechanical fibre like strong hay or straw is required to keep rumen capacity stretched in the dry cow, so that the milking appetite will return quicker postcalving. This will subsequently help to minimise negative energy balance, enhancing both production and fertility.” As a result, Donal is urging all Phone: 07-889 3371 - Email: pumppipeline@actrix.gen.nz MORRINSVILLE Craftsmanship, Design and Durability Waikato Dairy Builders are specialists in the design and construction of herringbone dairy sheds. • Maximise milking efficiency – increase profit • Proven designs and construction techniques • Easy-clean permanent lining materials • Built to your requirements and budget Our experience shows dairy farms to assess dry cow feed volumes, nutrient intake balance and also ensure grazing covers are on target (2200kg DM/ha) to protect grass availability for early lactation. Target dry cow feeding to calving date first, then current body condition. “Chasing body condition now is not the answer for cows calving in six-seven weeks – improving gut fill and rumen function as the priority will better serve your business into the new lactation. “Body condition can be targeted for those cows not calving within the next six-seven weeks, but don’t short-change your cows this winter, and make sure you prepare them well for the coming lactation. “Milk price is not the only Ph Chris 07- 849 3630 or Fax 07-849 3640, Mob. 0274 936 692 Ph Jim 07-855 4872 Mob. 0274 936 693 P.O. Box 10 188, Te Rapa, Hamilton Visit our website: www.dairybuilders.co.nz 46 The Dairyman JULY 2009 DAIRY BUILDERS FREEPHONE 0800 2 COWSHED WAIKATO factor to affect your business, with optimum milk production and cow health and longevity just as critical.” For details call Donal Blackwell on 027 241 5803. NZ1099566